The Sydney Swans have their eyes on the off-season to make some moves to strengthen their side following the retirement of Paddy McCartin and injuries that have become a concern for the Swans for most of the year.
Ruckmen and key defenders are believed to be the top priority for the Swans during the trade period after McCartin's departure and as Pete Ladhams battles an ankle injury with their other ruck Lachlan McAndrew being their developing option.
Sydney's list manager Kinnear Beatson spoke on AFL.com.au's Gettable on Wednesday, highlighting that Sydney will look to be creative once the off-season arrives, particularly with the proposition of Gold Coast potentially giving up their first-round pick, acknowledging the club is also open to trading their opening selection.
Beatson confirm the Swans could part ways with their top pick (currently Pick 12), while they will also look to open discussions with the Suns for their opening selection (currently Pick 4)
"We would like to be pretty active, we've got our first, all of our future picks, Hawthorn's second, our second, so we are very open-minded about what potentially could be done," Beatson said.
"Yeah absolutely (look into trading for Gold Coasts pick), we will look at all options and we are exploring all of them at the moment, we will catch up with the Gold Coast Suns (list management group)."
North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay has also become a target for the Swans given their need for key defensive resources, with Beatson confirming that the club has been keeping an eye on him.
"Yep, we are tracking Ben and we are looking at what that might look like," he said.
As Ladhams battles his injury, Beatson is convinced his side will need to increase its depth at the ruck position, also clearing up his stance on previous target Tom De Koning.
Sydney had reportedly offered De Koning an eight-year deal, however Beatson "categorically" denied the suggestion.
"Potentially (the Swans will target ruckmen)," Beatson said.
"Pete is struggling a bit with an ankle at the moment buts it's like all clubs, you're pretty much looking at all positions, to be honest, I mean what helps you win grand finals are class players, whether their defenders, forwards, and mids.
"You can't have enough class players if you can get them, the trick is trying to fit them all into the salary cap.
"Hand on heart, there was no contract with Tom. Tom didn't want to meet with any clubs. I don't think he meet with Geelong or St Kilda, sometimes what's reported in the press is a little bit out of control but I can categorically say we didn't put a contract offer to Tom's management."
Another option the Swans will consider is Demons ruckman Brodie Grundy, who has struggled to cement his spot at Melbourne since moving from Collingwood.
Beatson said Sydney would be open to hearing from Grundy's management if he was looking to depart the Demons.
"I think you would have to be mad to not look at Brodie (Grundy)," Beatson said.
Sydney currently have forward-ruck option Hayden McLean unsigned beyond 2023, however Beatson revealed the Victorian was close to finalising a new deal to remain in Sydney.